How can I send tempo to my MIDI-enabled instrument/device?

How can I send tempo to my MIDI-enabled instrument/device?

OnSong has the ability to send MIDI events to compatible devices based on the tempo provided for each song in your library. This can be done in one or more of these ways depending on the requirements of the device.  These can be configured by opening the Utilities Menu by tapping on the gear icon in the Menubar and choosing Settings and then MIDI Settings.  Locate the Sync section and choose one or more of the following methods.

MIDI Clock
This send a MIDI signal 24 times for every quarter beat and is only recommended if you have a hard wired connection to your device as wireless MIDI results in too much latency for an accurate reading.

Control Changes (Tempo)
OnSong can convert the tempo of the songs into control changes. While this is not in the MIDI standard, it is frequently used by some devices as it does not require low latency to transmit.  This will send one LSB (least significant bit) to represent tempos between 0 and 127, and MSB (most significant bit) to allow for tempos in multiples of 128.  For instance, it would send 160 BPM as MSB 1 and LSB 32.  You can configure the channels this is sent on as well as the control changes to be sent.

Tap
This option will send a MIDI signal for every BPM as specified. This is akin to tapping a foot switch to dial in the tempo on a device.  You can configure the channels and the MIDI events that are sent.
    • Related Articles

    • How Can I apply the bpm of my MIDI clock to a chord chart?

      Thank you for using OnSong! You can acquire the tempo of the song from MIDI by doing the following: Open OnSong > Select the editor menu from the menubar (Pencil Icon) > Select the Metadata Editor Menu from the Menubar ( i icon) > Select Tempo > ...
    • How can I configure my iRig Blueboard to send MIDI over Bluetooth?

      The iRig Blueboard from IK Multimedia support Bluetooth MIDI.  If you have an older BlueBoard, you may need to update the firmware.  With Bluetooth MIDI enabled, you won't need to run the BlueBoard app in the background to use the device.  However, ...
    • Can I send MIDI to switch to specific sections of a song?

      We Speak MIDI Here OnSong in not only a powerful controller for integrating MIDI-capable keyboard, effects pedals and more, but can also listen for MIDI to control the OnSong interface.  OnSong can listen for incoming MIDI and perform actions via ...
    • How can I connect multiple MIDI devices, computers, and iPads together?

      There are many ways to do MIDI. This article will break these down into the various methods of connecting multiple MIDI devices. MIDI Cable MIDI is best known for its "5-DIN pin" cables that have transmitted music in digital form since 1984. One of ...
    • What can the MIDI feature of OnSong do for me?

      OnSong is a powerful, context-aware MIDI control for completely automating your stage presence. While you're only limited by your imagination, and budget, you could do some of the following Connect wired MIDI devices, join network sessions over WiFI, ...